RELATIVES of Derby anti-war campaigner Alice Wheeldon have said a blue plaque installed in her honour has "restored her reputation".
Mrs Wheeldon is famed for her political activism in the early 20th century but was jailed in 1917 for 10 years after being accused of plotting to poison the then Prime Minister David Lloyd George.
There is widespread belief that Alice and her family were framed by MI5 to raise sympathy for the Government and family members have spent years campaigning to clear her name.
Yesterday, a ceremony at her former home in Pear Tree Road was held as a blue plaque was unveiled to mark her achievements as a socialist.
And it was attended by Mrs Wheeldon's great-granddaughter, Chloe Mason – and her sister Deidrie – who had both flown from their home in Sydney, Australia.
In an emotional speech, Mrs Mason thanked the people of Derby for helping to "restore the reputation she deserves".
She said: "We never believed something like this would happen, so to see that plaque up there means more than I can tell you. When she died, she was reviled for something we believe she never did. But she did so much good.
"This is important for history and for young people growing up in Derby and learning about its heritage."
Blue plaques are traditionally put on a building or a site to mark the connection between that location and a famous person or event. This is one of 20 plaques being put up in the city this year.
Candidates needed to have been dead for at least 20 years; had a long-lasting effect; have public support and a link to a building or site in Derby.
Derby City Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa said: "I hope we can clear Alice Wheeldon's name and give her the correct place in history for future generations."
And in further honour of Mrs Wheeldon, singer-songwriter Robb Johnson, of Hounslow, has written a new song called "Alice Annie Wheeldon" as part of his new album Bring Down The Moon.
Listen to the song here